Oatgurt...

First off I'd like to thank Vicky from Sweet & Healthy Living for introducing me to Oatgurt... Oats turned into yogurt. I know it sounds crazy! Well not so according to my little friends Lactobaccilus!

I'm sure you've all heard a gazillion times about probiotics. These are bacteria that are said to have a positive effect of our bodies when consumed in sufficient quantities. They work by inhabiting our gut thus decreasing the amount of food and space available for bad bacteria. Hey, there're 10 times more bacteria cells in our bodies than out own cells (our cells are much larger in size though).

The problem I find with yogurt is that the cheap kinds (aka the ones my dad always buy) have very long expiry dates which I find sketchy. Also, you never see any bubbling action in the yogurts meaning that the bacteria is dead. Even if yogurts do have probiotics left, I learned in my naturopathy class that the amount of probiotics in those yogurts is insufficient to have a health benefit.

So what do we do? Make own yogurt. That's right... using oats! Oats have plenty of carbs which make a suitable environment for the Lactobaccilus and the fat content gives it a nice creamy dairy taste.


To start off, I made a bacteria reservoir. Simply take oats (can be oat groats, steel cut oats, or simple rolled oats) and soak them with water overnight. In the morning grind it up in a blender and leave in a warm spot for about 3-4 days. You will see lots of bubbles in the mixture and it should have a slightly sour smell without smelling like it's off. By now the mixture will be sour and unpleasant to eat, however it makes an awesome bacteria reserve. Keep in the fridge for storage. If you want your reservoir to proliferate you will have to add more oats to eat because they'll need something to eat :)

Then whenever you wish to have oatgurt for breakfast just use the already built up stock of bacteria. Just check out the bubbles on top of the yogurt. That's bacteria in action! How often do you see that in a commercially bought yogurt?

Now introducing:


Date & Spice Oatgurt
Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp of bacteria reservoir
• 4 dates
• Pinch of cinnamon

Directions

1. Begin about 12 hours prior to consumption time (will vary based on preference and room temperature)
2. Combine the ingredients and give it a quick blend
3. Keep in a warm place and watch the bubbles form